Tragedy is the second studio album by American musician Julia Holter, released in 2013 on Domino Recording Company. The album is a loose interpretation of Euripides' play Hippolytus. Holter utilizes the framework of the play, focusing on themes of love, loss, and destruction, but eschews a direct narrative retelling.
The album is characterized by its experimental and avant-garde approach, incorporating elements of drone, ambient music, art pop, and classical influences. Holter's vocals are often layered and processed, contributing to the album's ethereal and dreamlike atmosphere. Instrumentation includes synthesizers, strings, percussion, and Holter's own piano playing.
Critical reception for Tragedy was generally positive, with reviewers praising its ambitious scope, intricate arrangements, and emotional depth. The album was noted for its unique sonic landscape and its ability to evoke the atmosphere of the Greek tragedy while simultaneously forging its own distinct identity. Tragedy is considered a significant work in Holter's discography, marking a development in her compositional style and cementing her reputation as an innovative and experimental artist.